Aussies Take Tri-Nations Title

Australia will take the mental advantage into the World Cup following their sensational performance in the final of the Tri-Nations, taking the title after seeing off New Zealand 25-20. The win means the Aussies have now picked up their first Tri-Nations title since 2001 and only their third ever, in what was the final three-team format of the tournament. Argentina will join the three teams to create a new four team tournament but New Zealand and Australia certainly ensured the final Tri-Nations tournament will be one to remember after this absorbing final. Those looking towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup betting will have watched this tournament closely.

After totally dominating the first half, the Aussies went into the half-time break with a 20-3 lead, Will Genia and Radike Samo going over to score the tries, the latter doing so from all of 60 metres out. This year’s World Cup hosts came out of the half-time break with a rejuvenated look about themselves, quickly getting back into the match with Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu grabbing a quickfire double of tries to throw the game wide open.

The Aussies responded straight away though through a Kurtley Beale try to break All Blacks hearts, a score that came completely against the run of play amid intense New Zealand pressure on the Australian defence. The hosts held on to close out the match and ensured they send the All Blacks into the World Cup on the back on consecutive defeats after their surprise loss to South Africa last week.

The win completes quite a turnaround from the Aussies though, following a start to the tournament that saw them hammered by the All Blacks 30-14. Now the advantage has switched to Robbie Deans men though and they will head to the World Cup with a renewed sense of confidence among the squad after beating the favourites for the Webb Ellis trophy. Those following the Will Greenwood Rugby Betting Tips will know of the potential they bring to the World Cup.

New Zealand will need to dust themselves down and refocus their preparations for what will be a tough opening match against Tonga when the World Cup gets under way. The pressure to win the tournament in front of their home fans will be intense and Graham Henry’s squad will need to handle that if they are going to fulfil their targets.